Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me

Resident Evil: Guardian
Chapter 5
"Uh...Hi"

You say yes, I say no
You say stop and I say go, go, go
Oh... oh, no
You say goodbye and I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello

The Beatles - "Hello, Goodbye

I counted six, yep, six vehicles in the convoy. A civilian Hummer taking the lead, a School Bus following, some sort of News Van behind that, an Ambulance, an Oil Tanker, and to top it all off, an old Army M35 Cargo truck with what looked like a very big gun on the top.

There must be a lot of people in that convoy. I wonder if they'd mind adding another to their ranks…

I decided to not dwell on that thought just yet and instead, tried to make a good first impression.

A couple minutes ago I had ran back inside the station to fetch my rifle, combat harness, and any tactical gear I could muster. So now I wait here, all suited, up armor and all; standing as straight and tall as possible, trying to make myself look as official and intimidating as possible.

Yeah, tough luck on that.

Well at least they noticed me, for the lead Hummer sped up as the other trucks slowed to a stop. The yellow vehicle stalled not far from the front of the station, it just sat there for a minute or two, seemingly searching around the station for any signs of danger.

Or maybe they were just probing my defenses.

A sudden wave of fear gripped my body tight as I let paranoia rule my thoughts.

What if they aren't friendly? What if they just want my resources and have no need for me? What if they are cannibals and hungry for my flesh!?!

I could have laughed right there at my stupidity, but no, had to focus, I still had half a mind to jump into the trench I dug and take defensive positions.

But instead, I took a deep breath, centered myself, and began a very uncomfortable walk to the Hummer.

The occupants of said truck took from my example and exited their vehicle, I got clear sights on the three of them.

There was a woman, red hair flowed down her back, aviator glasses covered her eyes, she was walking a bit faster than the other two, looked like she was in charge.

Next was a tall guy, something about him just screamed military; combat vest, knee and elbow pads, tactical gloves, the confident yet alert way he walked, the MP7 strapped to his chest, it all fit the image.

The last one look relaxed and very laidback, he grinned as he walked, no wait, strolled over. A pair of pearly whites flashed from dark skin. I kinda like this guy and I haven't even met him yet.

We all stopped a few feet from each other. The look at me bottom to top, taking in my appearance. I guess Army personnel are a rarity these days.

There was an awkward silence for a moment or two.

"Uhhh" I broke the silence with a pitiful attempt at conversation, "So…hi".

Oh my god, that was so lame.

I don't think they really cared, for the redhead walked forward and extended her hand.

"Claire Redfield" She said with a smile.

I accepted her hand and shook, "Nathan Smith" I said.

The other two also reached out for a shake.

"Carlos Oliveira" The military looking man said.

"Lloyd Jefferson Wayne, call me L.J" The laidback guy said.

I gladly shook their hands and repeated my greeting.

There was once again, to my chagrin, another awkward moment of silence.

The one guy, Carlos, decided to break the ice, "So were you expecting company or what?" He motioned towards the defense perimeter I had set up.

I smiled embarrassed and scratched the back of my head, "Uh no, not really, but it never hurts just to be safe."

He in turn smiled, "True, so are those claymores over there? He asked, intrigued.

"Oh yeah" I answered, "Thought they would come in handy."

"Smart kid." He nodded in approval and then turned to Claire, who seemed to be impatiently waiting for our little "chat" to be over with.

"Sorry" Carlos said to her apologetically, Claire just rolled her eyes, then she turned her attention to me.

"Okay look" She started, "I'm just gonna cut the bullshit. We need supplies; food, ammo, oil, whatever. You have said supplies, so simply put, we need those goods in order to survive."

I blinked.

"I apologize if I'm coming off a little strong" Claire continued, "But I just like to keep things short and sweet."

"We aren't trying to steal everything you own" Carlos chimed in, "Neither are we forcing you into, we are simply asking, do you think you could share?" He finished with a smile.

I stared at the two, lost in thought for a second. No, not because I was choosing an answer, I had already decided on that. Right now I was fantasizing about one simple thing.

Would they permit me to join their convoy? God I hope so.

I figured that it would be a good idea if I got on their good side before I throw an idea that blunt in their faces.

I smiled, "Of course you guys can have supplies, take whatever you need."

In flash, Claire was on her radio and the rest of her convoy was steadily rolling on in towards the station.

"Thanks" said Carlos as he walked back over to their Hummer to fetch for something I guess.

And that left just me and L.J. He looked at me, I to him. That stupid silence that always seems to happen when I meet someone new loomed in the air.

Then he spoke, "So what do you do for fun around here?"

I answered, "Mostly just sit around and read I guess."

He raised an eyebrow at my answer, "Read man? Nothing else interesting to do?"

I shrugged "Well for me, It all depends on what I'm reading."

He seemed to accept my answer, "Yeah, I guess, so books you got?

"Uh, mostly just magazines, the store had quite a few behind the cashier."

His ears perked up at the call of magazines, "Really? Anything a guy like me would like?" He asked, hopefully

I thought about it for a moment. Should I…yeah why not?

"The hell with it" I said, "I got a couple of Playboys in the pile you could have."

I think his eyes bulged out of his skull from either surprise or excitement, maybe a little of both.

"And if you think that's sweet" I smirked, "Then wait till you see all the beer I have stored in the back."

He grinned from ear to ear, once again showing off his pearly whites.

"Nathan bud" He said, "You just became my new best friend."

"Okay back it up, you're clear, you're clear!" I yelled to the driver of the oil tanker, a cowboy named Chase.

I was helping the convoy in refueling and whatnot, but then Claire asked to help supervise in guiding over the huge ass tanker over to the gas pumps. All of this would have been uncalled for if I just didn't dig up a defensive trench around the station. Some parts of the ditch was accessible by vehicle, others were not, I was given the job of leading the trucks to the part that were.

Of course first, I had to move my humvee out of the way and then, I was tasked with uninstalling every single last claymore I had set up.

Yeah, so as of right now, I'm really pissed off that all the hard work I'd gone through a few months ago were now worth jack and shit. There was never even one single major zombie attack. Just a few lame stragglers.

A very loud crashing sound brought me back to the real world, I cringed and turned to face the direction where the noise came from. My face kinda fell at what I saw.

Earlier on, when I had moved the humvee, I had to move every piece of equipment I had along with it. This included multiple boxes of ammunition. Now I had decided to stack them on top of the humvee, not giving it another thought or to secure and lock the case.

Bad move on my part.

The convoy has a very large population of children, and children get very bored, very easily. To keep them occupied, their babysitter and bus driver, Otto, had given them a soccer ball to play with.

Unfortunately, the kids had chose to play rather close to the humvee, and that soccer ball just happened to crash right into the stack of ammo crates I had piled on top.

The crates went crashing to the earth and I heard the faint clicks of ammo falling all over the place.

Well ain't that just great.

Carlos came out of the station a second later to investigate the noise. I glanced over to him and he spoke, "Uh sorry 'bout all this…let me take over from here, you can go clean up."

I nodded and walked over to the humvee.

Otto was busy scolding the six year olds to more careful or something when he saw me, uttered an apology, then took the kids off someplace else.

I sighed and started picking up the dozens upon dozens of bullets which layered the ground. I was so focused on cleaning, that I didn't even notice someone coming up behind me until they spoke.

"Do you need any help?" a soft, feminine voice called out.

I looked up, a bit surprised someone else offered to lend a hand.

The girl in turn was young and very pretty, her blonde hair pulled up into a messy ponytail was and covered by a baseball cap. Dressed in a white tee and skirt with cute stocking and boots, then she was wearing…is that make-up?!?

Well the word pretty comes to mind again.

"Uh yeah, sure, I uh…really appreciate it." I replied stupidly

Oh yeah, smooth move Nathan, no wonder you were forever single throughout high school.

Thankfully she didn't seems to notice my awkwardness, instead, she began gathering the ammo on the ground. I followed suit until we had clean the ground of all spilt cartridges. She smiled at me and I returned it with a thankful smile of my own.

"Thanks again, I really appreciate it" I thanked her again.

"No problem, I was watching and it looked like you could use some help." She said smiling still.

I raised an eyebrow at her and smirked, "You were watching me?"

Okay, now I was in control.

Her eyes shot down to the ground and she blushed furiously, all different shades of red. I just grinned some more.

But of course, here comes the awkward silence that never wants to quit following me. Lets see how long this one lasts.

One thousand one.

One thousand two.

One thousand three.

One thousand four.

"Sorry" she mumbled quietly, making it a little hard for me to hear.

"No, I'm sorry, shouldn't have taken such a cheap shot like that." I attempted to fix the situation.

It seemed to relax her, for she nodded and half smiled.

"I don't think I properly introduced myself" I said extending my hand for a shake, "Name's Nathan."

She accepted it, smiling fully now, "My name's K-"

Her introduction was cut short however when another loud crash of smashed glass rang from out of the store. I glanced back, I could hear loud cursing, it sounded like L.J.

"Crap, sorry, gotta see what's up." I apologized to her and she nodded. But she looked kinda…well, sad about it.

I didn't ponder on that for long because I had started racing towards the store. When I ran in, the sight of broken glass bottles and the smell of beer met my nose.

"L.J, what the hell happened here?!" I exclaimed.

He walked forward from behind the counter…wearing nothing but boxers and holding a Playboy magazine.

"I can explain everything!" he cried.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.

Today is gonna be one hell of a long day.

"Alright, pack it up kids, time for bed."

There was an assortment of groans from the children as a reply to Claire. Nevertheless, the kids started packing up and heading back to the trucks.

I sat around a campfire, enjoying a few beers with L.J and Carlos, talking abut generally anything; sports, movies, pastimes, hobbies. You know, stuff we used to do before the whole "end of the world" broke out.

I had to admit, being around people again felt a little weird, but now, I loved every second of it.

We laughed at a joke L.J cracked and my eyes drifted to the retreating herd of children.

"You know you guys don't have to sleep in the trucks, there's plenty of room in and around the station." I suggested.

Carlos looked at me and shook his head, "Naw" he said, "We've already caused you enough trouble, last thing you need is a dozen kids running around you're home."

"I don't mind" I said, "I really enjoy being around people again."

Carlos didn't get a chance to reply because Claire walked over to or little circle.

"That means you too boys" she said, "Need you all well rested for the long drive we'll have tomorrow."

That definitely caught my attention.

"Tomorrow!" I exclaimed flabbergasted, "You guys are leaving tomorrow!?!"

"Well ya" said Claire, "We don't want to cause you anymore trouble."

"Trouble?" I nervously laughed, "No trouble at all, I really, really enjoy the company, I just wish you guys could stay longer."

Carlos and Claire shared a grin.

"Well in that case" Carlos started, "Why don't you come along with us?"

The little voice inside my head started screaming, "Yes! Yes! Yes! Fuck Yes!"

"R-really?" I stammered, happiness bountiful.

"Of course" said Claire, "You'll be very valuable in the convoy."

"I will be?" I said, not really thinking.

"Duh" L.J laughed.

"You're U.S Army" Carlos said, making quotations in the air, "Firearms training, First-Aid, Explosives" He motioned to the Humvee, "The added firepower of the .50 and that ammo and food, we'd be crazy not to let you join."

"So what do you say?" Claire asked.

I think my eyes were blank with thought and staring down a thousand yards. My mind processing everything all at once.

"Yes" I finally said blankly. They all looked amused by my happily surprised face.

I finally regained control and grinned at them all. Carlos patted me on the back and L.J gave me a high five.

I let my eyes wander for a second and they eventually made contact with bright blue eyes and a familiar blonde ponytail.

It was the girl from earlier and she must have been staring at me when I wasn't looking. When I glanced at her, she quickly looked another direction. I raised an eyebrow at her and continued staring for a moment. She risked another glance at me just to find my eyes still on her. I think I saw her blush and quickly sped away to the trucks.

My eyes followed her retreating form before loud laughing from L.J broke me out of that trance.

I returned my attention to the others, laughing to the joke that I didn't hear. My mind was still focused on one thing.

Who was that girl?

I released a very long and loud yawn the next morning.

I spent all night packing up every last piece of food, ammo, gasoline, and supplies into the trucks and my Humvee. So needless to say, I was plenty tired.

The rest of the trucks were lined up on the road, all set and ready for the long journey ahead of them.

They were all waiting on yours truly, Claire had said for me to take the rear of the convoy as a precaution since I was new and had the machine gun on top.

The other survivors didn't really seem to mind the wait, they were all pretty excited that there was a new face among their ranks.

After everything that was worth keeping was packed and ready for travel, I made a final goodbye to the station that was my home for the past couple of months.

"Nathan!" yelled Claire who broke my train of thought, "We're all waiting on you."

I nodded to her and bid my farewell to the store and jogged back to my Humvee.

I pulled up behind Chase's tanker and waited for the other trucks to begin rolling on by.

To my surprise, Carlos came up beside the window and spoke.

"Nathan, I'm gonna have someone ride in the Humvee with you to act as a guide and make sure you don't do anything stupid, ok?"

"Oh yeah sure" I said surprised, "Let me just move some stuff."

The seat next to my was filled with supplies with no room for anything else. I hopped out and began taking stuff out and placing them into whatever space I could find in the trunk.

I heard the car door slam and guessed that whoever was supposed to be riding with me was already in.

I walked back into the driver's seat, not even paying attention to whomever was seating beside me.

"Hey, my name's Nathan an-" I stopped my introduction when I saw who was riding with me.

It was the girl from yesterday, the one who helped my out. You know, the cute one.

"Hi" she said, biting her lip.

I was surprised to say the least, but I regained composition a second later.

"Hi...again" I smiled, "I don't think I was formally introduced" Once again extending my hand.

"Private First Class Nathan Smith, U.S Army"

She took it, now smiling, any awkwardness gone, "I'm K-mart."

I blinked, then cocked an eyebrow.

"It's a long story" She said.

The convoy started moving and my eyes returned to the road.

"Well" I started, "We've got plenty of time, a story would go nicely."

"Well in that case" She said returning one of my smiles, "it all started one rainy day-"

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and your winter break
I definately did for my birthday was on the 26th, I must say, Hooters + Birthday = Epic Win

In other news, I had finished and uploaded an EndWar fic, I would really appreciate it if somebody reads and reviews it, please?
Well anyways, Happy New Year
-Tomato